If you're new here, this blog will give you the tools to become financially independent in 5 years. Here's how I did it and here's a few dozen online journals from other people who are currently doing it. This is not some stupid get rich quick scheme. The method is robust and replicable (no need to win the lottery, sell your business, or win at real estate), but not easy; much in the same way that a diet results in weight loss but is hard to follow persistently unless you set your mind to it.
The key is to save 75%+ of your net income and invest it in income producing assets (bonds and dividend stocks). This is done by running your personal finances much like a business, thinking about assets and inventory and focusing on efficiency and value for money. See this post on how to enjoy a middle class lifestyle on $7,000/year (Please read it, especially the part about the lentils!). There is a "21 day" step-by-step plan for how to get beyond 75% in the left side bar. Also, check out my answers to Frequently Asked Questions which also covers common misconceptions regarding my personal budget, blog income, retirement, marriage, children, health care, etc. I also suggest reading About ERE in the top menu bar.
I would like to get into hobby metal working and precision maching, building small engines, replacement parts for the RV, restoring old clocks or sewing machines, etc.
I prefer to buy things used because it is cheaper, wastes less resources, and I don’t take the “driving it off the lot”-depreciation hit, should I ever want to sell again. However, when it comes to precision tools like calipers, micrometers, squares, etc. is that “safe”? I fear that the tool could be out of alignment or bent and I would have no way of knowing?
Permaculture articles!
